Snow Day!

Winchester, and the UK, had the heaviest snow in 18 years!  Needless to say this caused great joy and frustration.

We had a blast walking around town, sliding down St. Catherine's Hill and watched people with their 'sledges' whizzing down.  The downside was that we had to postpone our trip to Prague :(

London, December 29, 2008

Stephanie: We met our friends David and Michelle in London for the day.

It was a miracle we got there as the trains completely shut down at 1pm with no sign of starting up again. But it was a Christmas miracle: we ended up hopping on a train that began moving and were only 15 minutes late.

We enjoyed walking around the National Gallery, then we went to dinner at a shady Chinese restaurant (that no one will take responsibility for choosing :). No one got sick, so that was good! The after dinner pub was much better! It was great to catch up with American friends.

New Year's Day

Stephanie: Russell had to work so Steph was on her own. The city ran a Free King Alfred's Bus day which included free bus tours on some of the old-fashioned coaches. I rode around town, enjoying the scenery and excitement.

Our English friend Tom was in Winchester with his family, so I joined them for dinner at Winchester's Prezzo.

New Year's Eve

Stephanie: The Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market set up an outdoor ice rink so we went skating. I had a lot of fun. Russell accomplished his goals of not falling down and not "killing a kid." Great job, Russ!

That evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner party and games with some new friends in Winchester. I introduced the group to Blackberry Apple cobbler and my oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that someone described as a "spicy biscuit." I got a kick out of that!

More Christmas

Stephanie: Christmas has been fun and relaxing. I went to four carol services to make the most out of the season!

On Christmas Eve we had a cream tea and went to see "The Day the Earth Stood Still" at The Screen, in Winchester. Not a good movie but a fun experience. The theatre is small and comfy. Right after the previews, they pause for an ice-cream break.

The Winchester Cathedral market was beautiful with hundreds of stalls selling food, crafts and gifts. I visited five times.

We cooked a lot for Christmas dinner. It was really fun but a challenge with such a small kitchen. We incorporated some English traditions like Christmas Crackers (the kind you pull apart and get a 'prize' inside), Sticky Toffee pudding, goose-fat roasties (roast potatoes) and Christmas pudding (not good but a must for a proper English Christmas).

Portsmouth - December 8, 2008

Stephanie: Here we are in Portsmouth again. This is Russell in front of the museum.


Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of Portsmouth's most distinguished former residents. The Sherlock Holmes exhibit at the museum was fascinating with lots of memorabilia about the famous detective from all over the world. He is still just as popular today with a new movie coming out next year with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Can't wait!


Russell practically dragged me to the Portsmouth Royal Theatre's production of 'Northanger Abbey.' OK, just kidding.
Here I am enjoying a pre-show glass of wine. I really enjoyed the play--very well done. Russell went in with super low expectations (and a beer) and thought it was not a complete waste of time, though he could've gone without the 10 minute long dance sequences. He really is a good husband :)
Btw, the girl next to me answered her phone during the production and had a conversation. How rude is that?!


Russell by the beautiful Portsmouth harbor.


This is the pub where we ate. We recommend it.

Christmas in Winchester - December 1, 2008